El Nido Private Tour A: Best Island Hopping

Paradise comes with a cash-only checklist. This private El Nido tour combines Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach in one full day across Bacuit Bay. I like the private group format, which gives up to three people a more personal day, and I like the mix of swimming, snorkeling, quiet beach time, and easy boat sightseeing.

I also like that the guide, boat, life vests, and packed lunch are included, so you can focus on the limestone cliffs and clear water. The main drawback is the extra cost at the stops: the environmental fee and lagoon fee are not included, and both must be paid in cash. Snorkeling equipment and a kayak cost extra, too.

Key points to know before booking

• Five major Bacuit Bay stops: Big or Small Lagoon, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach.
• Private pricing: The listed $324 rate covers a group of up to three, not each person individually.
• A full eight-hour outing: Pickup is in El Nido town, with departure around 9:30 a.m. and return between 4 and 5 p.m.
• Bring Philippine pesos: The 400 PHP environmental fee and 200 PHP lagoon fee are cash-only.
• Snorkeling costs extra: Equipment rental is 100 PHP, while a kayak for two costs 300 PHP.
• A praised guide experience: Carlo was singled out for his good humor, helpful care, and cheerful approach.

Why Tour A Works So Well for a First El Nido Day

El Nido Tour A is popular for a simple reason: it packs several different sides of Bacuit Bay into one trip. You get the grand scenery of the lagoons, a coral and fish stop, two beaches, and plenty of time on the water.

The setting does much of the work. Bacuit Bay is framed by steep limestone cliffs that rise from the sea, giving each boat crossing a dramatic backdrop. You are not just being transported from one stop to another. The crossings are part of the experience, with open water, rock walls, and changing views around every turn.

This private version suits you best if you are traveling as a couple, a family, or a small group of friends. A group of three pays $324 total, which works out to $108 per person before local fees and optional rentals. That is not the cheapest way to island-hop, but the price is easier to justify when shared by three people who value a private boat arrangement and a guide focused on their group.

If you are traveling alone or as a pair, compare the total with shared island tours in El Nido. The value here comes from privacy and convenience, not from a long list of included extras.

9:00 a.m. Pickup and the Boat Ride Across Bacuit Bay

Pickup is available within El Nido town, so you need to provide your exact pickup and drop-off location in advance. The schedule lists arrival at the pickup point at 9:00 a.m., followed by boat departure at about 9:30 a.m.

That half-hour gap is useful. It gives the guide and group time to meet, organize belongings, and get ready before leaving town. All times are approximate, and the order of the stops can change to reduce crowding. That flexibility matters in El Nido, where the same famous sites attract many boats.

The boat is included, as are life vests and an English-speaking guide. You should still bring your own water, hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, and insect repellent. Drinks and towels are not provided.

The bay crossing is a good time to settle into the day. Keep cash in a waterproof pouch or another secure place, since you will need Philippine pesos for fees. A dry bag is also sensible for phones and small valuables, though it is not listed as included.

Big Lagoon: The Day’s Big Scenic Moment

Big Lagoon is usually the visual centerpiece of Tour A. Tall limestone formations surround a calm stretch of turquoise water, creating a place that feels much larger and more dramatic than photographs suggest.

The schedule allows about one hour for swimming at Big Lagoon. Small Lagoon may also be included, with the exact stop depending on the day’s plan and crowd levels. The published route groups Big and Small Lagoon together, while the detailed schedule lists Big Lagoon first, so you should confirm with your guide which lagoon is operating on your departure.

You may be able to paddle or swim into the lagoon area, depending on local arrangements and conditions. A kayak rental costs 300 PHP for two people. If you prefer not to rent one, the included time still lets you enjoy the setting from the boat and water.

The extra lagoon fee is 200 PHP per person, paid in cash. This charge is separate from the environmental fee. If you have already paid the environmental fee for another island-hopping trip, bring the receipt. It is valid for all tours taken within five days.

The main thing to understand about Big Lagoon is that it is a scenery stop first. You come for the limestone walls, bright water, and sense of scale. If you want long, quiet swimming time, the crowds and stop schedule may limit that.

Payong-Payong Beach for a Slower Hour

After the grand scale of the lagoon, Payong-Payong Beach offers a welcome change of pace. The beach is described as a powdery white-sand stretch lined with palms, making it a natural place to sit, swim, and let the day slow down.

The itinerary gives about an hour for free time and swimming here. That is enough to enjoy the shore without turning the stop into a rushed photo break. You can cool off in the water, rest under the palms, or simply look back toward the cliffs.

This may be the most comfortable stop for you if you prefer a beach day to a packed sightseeing schedule. It also gives families and mixed-age groups a less demanding place to relax between lagoon visits and snorkeling.

Do not expect a long, private beach escape by default. The tour order changes to avoid crowds, but this is still one of El Nido’s well-known stops. Your experience will depend on the day’s boat traffic and weather.

Lunch Around Noon, With the Practical Details Covered

Lunch is scheduled for about noon, and a packed meal is included in the tour price. One verified booking praised the meal as exceptionally generous, which is a useful sign for anyone wondering if lunch is merely a small snack between stops.

The available information does not specify the menu, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish or dietary arrangement. If you have food restrictions, ask the provider before departure.

The inclusion matters because you will spend most of the day away from El Nido town. You do not need to plan a separate restaurant stop, and the guide handles the basic day-to-day arrangements. Still, bring water and perhaps extra snacks if you tend to eat more after swimming.

Secret Lagoon Through a Narrow Rock Opening

Secret Lagoon offers a different kind of stop. Instead of opening directly onto a wide bay, it sits behind a narrow rock entrance. You pass through that opening to reach a more enclosed swimming area.

The setting has a playful, storybook feel, but access can be less straightforward than at an open beach. You may need to wait your turn, move carefully, or follow local instructions depending on water conditions and the number of boats arriving.

The schedule allows about an hour for swimming. Bring footwear you can use around wet rock if you have it, though the tour does not list water shoes as provided equipment. Keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying anything you do not need into the water.

Secret Lagoon is valuable because it breaks up the day with a more enclosed setting. Big Lagoon gives you scale and open views. Secret Lagoon gives you a short passage and a tucked-away swimming area. They are different experiences, even though both involve striking rock formations.

Shimizu Island and One Hour of Snorkeling

Shimizu Island is the main snorkeling stop. The water is described as clear and warm, with coral gardens and marine life visible below the surface.

Snorkeling gear is not included. You can rent it for 100 PHP, which is a modest extra charge, but bring your own equipment if you already have a well-fitting mask and snorkel. A good fit makes a bigger difference than fancy equipment.

You get about an hour here, so this is not a short look from the side of the boat. You have time to swim, look for fish, and rest in the water. If you do not want to snorkel, you can float or swim instead.

The tour includes life vests, but you should still be honest about your comfort in open water. The guide can help with the general arrangements, but the available details do not promise a dedicated swim instructor or special assistance in the water.

For many people, Shimizu Island will be the most active part of the day. It adds underwater scenery to a route otherwise focused on beaches, cliffs, and lagoons.

Seven Commandos Beach and Its Easygoing Finish

Seven Commandos Beach is the final major stop before returning to El Nido. It is known for white sand, swimming, optional snorkeling, and a relaxed beach-bar atmosphere.

The schedule gives about an hour of free time here. That makes it a good final stop because you can choose your own pace. You might swim, sunbathe, snorkel if you have equipment, or enjoy a drink from the beach bar. Drinks are not included, so keep some cash available.

The beach-bar setting makes Seven Commandos feel less secluded than Payong-Payong. That is either a plus or a drawback, depending on what you want. If you like a little life and an easy place to buy a drink, it is a pleasant finish. If you want your final stop to be completely quiet, you may prefer the slower feel of Payong-Payong.

After roughly an hour, the boat heads back to El Nido. Return time is listed between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., depending on the route, conditions, and time spent at each stop.

What the $324 Group Price Really Buys You

At $324 for up to three people, this is a premium small-group day rather than a budget excursion. Shared between three people, the base cost is $108 each. For two people, it becomes $162 each, and a solo booking would carry the full group price unless the provider offers a different arrangement.

The included guide, boat, life vests, and packed lunch cover the essentials. The private group setup is the strongest value point. You avoid paying for a large group experience when you want your own day with family or friends.

Plan for these added costs:

• Environmental fee: 400 PHP per person, cash only
• Big or Small Lagoon fee: 200 PHP per person, cash only
• Snorkeling gear: 100 PHP per person, optional
• Kayak: 300 PHP for two people, optional
• Drinks: extra
• Towel: not provided

For three people, the two required local fees total 1,800 PHP. That amount is on top of the $324 tour price. If you want to kayak and rent snorkeling gear for three people, add another 600 PHP, assuming the kayak is shared by two people.

The cost is worthwhile if you value a private group, a full route, and having the main arrangements handled for you. It is less appealing if your top priority is the lowest possible price.

The Guide Can Shape the Day

The provider is Abraham Tours Philippines, and the tour includes an English-speaking live guide. One verified booking gave special praise to Carlo, describing his cheerful attitude and the care he put into the day.

That detail matters because island hopping involves more than steering a boat. You need someone who can keep the schedule moving, explain where to go, help with basic arrangements, and make the long day feel relaxed rather than mechanical.

The guide also has some control over the route order. Since the stops may be rearranged to avoid crowds, your day may not follow the listed sequence exactly. That is a benefit, but it also means you should treat the times as estimates, not fixed appointments.

Weather, Cancellations, and What to Pack

Island hopping depends on sea conditions. If the weather turns bad, the Philippine Coast Guard decides whether island-hopping trips can operate. This is a safety rule, not a minor scheduling issue, so keep your plans flexible.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Palawan schedule may change.

Pack light, but pack the right things:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Insect repellent
• Towel
• Cash
• Waterproof protection for valuables

Do not rely on the tour for drinks, towels, or snorkeling equipment. The boat and life vest are included, but personal comfort items are your responsibility.

Who Should Book El Nido Private Tour A?

I would recommend this tour to a small group that wants the classic El Nido highlights in one day. It is especially suitable for first-time visitors with only a short stay, since the route covers lagoons, snorkeling, and beaches without requiring several separate bookings.

It also works well for a group that wants control over the tone of the day. You can spend your time swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the views. The private format gives you a better chance of keeping the day comfortable for your own group.

You may want to compare other options if you are traveling alone, watching every peso, or hoping for a quiet, remote beach experience. The most famous stops can be busy, and the required fees are not folded into the advertised base price.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you are three people sharing the cost and want El Nido’s best-known sights in one organized day. The strongest reasons are the private boat setup, broad mix of stops, included lunch, and the guide service, with Carlo’s good-humored care adding a particularly positive note.

Skip it if you want the cheapest island-hopping option or dislike carrying cash for added fees. For the right small group, though, this is a well-rounded introduction to Bacuit Bay, with enough beach time to keep the day from becoming a nonstop parade of photo stops.

FAQ

How long does El Nido Private Tour A last?

The tour lasts about eight hours. Pickup begins around 9:00 a.m., the boat leaves at about 9:30 a.m., and return to El Nido is expected between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup and drop-off are available within El Nido town. You need to provide the exact location in advance.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Big or Small Lagoon, Payong-Payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. The order may change to help avoid crowds.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch is included. Drinks are not included.

Are snorkeling equipment and kayaks included?

No. Snorkeling gear can be rented for 100 PHP, and a kayak costs 300 PHP for two people.

What extra fees must I pay?

The environmental fee is 400 PHP per person, and the Big or Small Lagoon fee is 200 PHP per person. Both fees are cash only. The environmental fee is valid for tours taken within five days if you keep the receipt.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The Philippine Coast Guard decides whether island-hopping tours can operate in bad weather. The tour offers full cancellation refunds when canceled up to 24 hours in advance.